Used 2019 Acura RDX Advance Package SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2019 Acura RDX Advance Package SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
I Traded-In My RDX After 7 Months Of Ownership
Eva, Raleigh, NC, 11/07/2018
2019 Acura RDX Advance Package 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
I had my “dream car” for 7 months and then traded it in for something more reliable. When I first purchased the Acura RDX Advance I was ecstatic. Everything seemed to be customized for me. From the memory seats to the technology, to the safety components. I was in love with my SUV. However, things seemed to go south the longer I owned the vehicle. First it was the constant issues with … the Infotainment System. I would exit the vehicle and it wouldn’t turn off. I called the dealership and they either thought I was dumb and didn’t know how to operate a car, or they would say “this is the first time we’re hearing about this...” I found a site called AcuraZine which had a workaround for turning off the frozen system so I wouldn’t get a dead battery. So that was the first issue. The second was the constant brake squealing after about 3 or 4 months of ownership. I drive typically on the interstate, so nothing weird about my driving habits. The last, and most terrifying issue was the electronic issue. I was on my way to work, driving about 65 mph, and everything shut off except for the engine. So I had no dials (since they’re digital) / no GPS / no A/C nothing electronic whatsoever in my car. It was pitch black. I was in the middle lane and there was no way to pull over. I safely made it to work. When I placed the vehicle in park all electronics came back on but they were “strobing.” I called the dealership who told me to bring it in ASAP. After an hour they found nothing wrong and sent me on my merry way. This happened too many times for me to be comfortable with the reliability of the vehicle and the dealership never found any issues so I just traded it in for something more reliable and safe. I really wanted to love this car but for the price I paid (and the thousands of dollars I lost trading it in) it just wasn’t worth my safety. I hope this helps others.
So disappointed with my first Acura
Don't buy an RDX, Collierville, TN, 03/30/2019
2019 Acura RDX Advance Package 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
This car is haunted! The software needs so much improvement, and the dealership says they can't do a thing. The radio comes on at will and often will not allow me to change channels. Sometimes I can make phone calls, sometimes not. The car has refused to go out of Park twice, so you can't go anywhere. It has locked me out and has stopped in traffic twice. All infotainment features … work when they want to. Sometimes I have no contact list and sometimes the car tells me it cannot perform the request, like make a phone call. It is driving me crazy; I am always waiting for the next shoe to drop. I have had it about 6 months and plan to trade it after a year. It is a pretty car but does not perform reliably at all. Even the mileage is not as predicted. Every day it is something..................save your money and buy a decent car!
Disappointed in my 2019 RDX
Slack, Columbia, MD, 09/02/2018
2019 Acura RDX Advance Package 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
I traded in my 2009 Acura TL 3.5L V6 Tech Pkg sedan for the 2019 RDX Advance. I loved almost everything about my TL including its acceleration, sound system, and ride. However, I wanted a vehicle that I could enter & exit without bending so low. All the reviewers on YouTube & in print seemed to have high praise for the new RDX, so I made the change after a couple test drives. I've … had the vehicle only a couple of weeks and I'm already regretting my purchase. It is fun to drive, but I've had several issues. On my second day, Apple CarPlay wouldn't work. Then after pairing my iPhone X to the Bluetooth, my contacts were not available. So I hard reset my phone, reset the infotainment system to factory default and that seemed to fix the problem for the moment. After about 450 miles of mixed driving, I'm averaging about 17.5 mpg. You read it right - 17.5 mpg, and mostly in Comfort mode with no redlining. I'm going to conduct a highway only test soon, but I don't expect to get the advertised mpg. Yesterday, my monitor stopped working, as did the auto idle feature ( even though I don't particularly care for it, it should work!) Aside from features not working, I am disappointed in the turbo lag. It has almost caused an accident because I couldn't get out of the way of an oncoming car while turning at a traffic light. That's beyond inconvenient. Anyway, I will probably trade it next year for a more proven vehicle. Fortunately, this is the first time I have had this much trouble with a new vehicle, so I'm lucky, but I cannot recommend this with all its initial problems.
UPDATE: After 4000+ more miles and seven months, I’m still regretting my choice. I took the car to the dealership because when the auto engine idle stop restarted the engine, it would release the electric brake hold, causing my car to move forward while at traffic stops. Fortunately I was able to manually brake before rear ending the car in front of me. Also, the auto engine idle stop engaged so often that it drained my battery within six months! Prior to purchasing the vehicle, I was assured that this feature would not affect battery life. So, the technician decided to kill two birds with one stone. He retuned/reset auto engine idle stop so that now it doesn’t engage at all! So that should save the new battery and eliminate the release of electronic brake hold since there is no engine restart now. While I don’t necessarily miss the idle feature, that’s how Acura achieved its EPA mileage ratings, which were already overstated. Now, I’ll get even less mileage per gallon. And, as many owners have commented, Apple CarPlay still only works intermittently. It’s mostly useless because it drops in the middle of apps. In fairness, I did get up to 27 MPG on a recent road trip, so I guess the highway gear ratios work well if in steady traffic. But as soon as I returned to mixed driving, the MPG returned significantly less than advertised. I’m pretty sure this will be my last Acura and that’s unfortunate because I really liked my 2009 TL. Had this new architecture worked well, and assuming it would be migrated to the MDX in 2020, I had thought about upgrading in a year or two. That plan is moot now.
ONE YEAR LATER: I’ve owned the 2019 RDX for a year now and most of my original review still holds. The infotainment system is still problematic with Apple CarPlay only staying connected intermittently, and glitches in the nav system have the head up display (HUD) showing upcoming turns opposite those on the nav screen. The nav voice prompt often agrees with the HUD’s incorrect direction. Even with most recent firmware update, many problems still exist. The turbo lag/transmission lag on quick passing acceleration situations is still annoying. I often have to quickly downshift to prevent getting broadsided by an oncoming vehicle.
I still love the ride and handling of the RDX. I call it my big sports car when in sport+ driving mode. The driver’s seat and leg room are very comfortable for a midsize SUV. The sound system is the best I’ve ever had in a car, and aside from the HUD losing its mind occasionally, I love that feature. As to whether I’ll buy another Acura, probably not. Acura does not seem interested in addressing these complaints by 2019 RDX owners. Whatever I purchase next will have a more reliable infotainment system in which Apple CarPlay works.
UPDATE: March 2024
It’s been almost six years driving my 2019 Acura RDX, and most of my complaints have been addressed or worked out. Apple CarPlay now works flawlessly, as does the HUD. I still greatly enjoy driving the RDX and the combined mileage averages about 22 MPG - not bad. The driver assist features still leave a lot to be desired. Lane keeping assist notifies me of lane drift, but does very little to keep me centered in the lane like my wife’s Genesis GV80 does. Adaptable Cruise Control (ACC) works, but not well at slowing or stopping behind cars at traffic lights from 55 mph highway speed. I definitely have to manually break. Other systems work much better. I still miss power folding mirrors and power adjusting steering column features. And turbo lag is still a problem in instances where I need quick acceleration to avoid an accident or quickly move between lanes. Also, I’ve had my RDX towed to the dealer twice for the same problem. According to the dealer, a hose between the engine and turbo charger disconnected causing the car to loose power. The first repair lasted a year. The second repair is holding up so far. As far as buying another Acura, I don’t discount it if the highway assistance and safety features improve, and the turbo charger lag is improved. I’ll wait for the 2025 models to see how much improvement is made across the board before deciding.
Serious problem after 30 miles
Jsladin, Sarasota, FL, 10/03/2018
2019 Acura RDX Advance Package 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
I have always had Acura’s or Honda’s. I loved the new RDX for the first four days. Then the entire electrical system failed and the steering wheel completely locked up. Fortunately I had already exited the highway and was in a parking lot. When I called the dealers service that’s when everything went downhill. Now I will never trust an Acura nor will I trust their service. Highly … disappointed.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2019 Acura RDX Advance Package SUV
What’s new
- The RDX is all-new for 2019
- Part of the third RDX generation introduced for 2019
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Sharp steering and handling
- Pro:Roomy cabin and cargo area
- Pro:Well-trimmed cabin
- Con:No choice of powertrain
- Con:Options are bundled solely into packages
Which RDX does Edmunds recommend?
The Technology package is the sweet spot for the 2019 RDX. In addition to this package's leather upholstery and premium audio, it adds navigation, parking sensors and additional driver assistance features. We recommend the all-wheel-drive variant for those drivers looking for improved handling and enhanced traction.
Full Edmunds Review: 2019 Acura RDX SUV
byJason Kavanagh
Senior Vehicle Test Engineer
Jason joined Edmunds' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.
Driving
7.5Overall, the performance of the RDX A-Spec is cohesive and not deficient across the board. But little things such as brakes that are a bit on the small side, slightly underwhelming tires, and a sometimes sleepy throttle response take a bit of the shine off a solid performer.
Comfort
8.0Though the A-Spec's 20-inch wheels might not bode well for ride comfort, the RDX makes sure its passengers are well-isolated from bumps at any speed. Combine that with standard active noise cancellation and comfortable seating for front and rear passengers, and the RDX impresses in the class.
Interior
7.5Advanced yet complex, the RDX is a mix of good basic ergonomic practices and some rather different, if not polarizing, ideas for how things should be done. The shifter arrangement and small buttons might fluster the driver, but at least the passengers will be comfortable.
Utility
8.5Acura really has interior packaging figured out, and the RDX is yet another showcase of how much room the automaker manages to find and make useful. From a generous cargo area to flexible interior storage solutions, the RDX makes having a lot of stuff easier than it should be.
Technology
8.5This is the tour de force of the new RDX, and it could prove to be the main reason behind people buying or not buying this Acura. With an intriguing new touchpad interface, it will absolutely appeal to the tech-savvy buyer just as the impressive audio system will appeal to the dedicated audiophile.
Jump to:Related 2019 RDX articles
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2019 Acura RDX in Ohio is:
$57.33 per month*Legal